Lil Boosie causes online media frenzy

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - The arrest of Torrence "Lil Boosie" Hatch and his most current charge of first-degree murder has sparked an online media frenzy. There are some people who appear to be rallying behind the accused killer, while others are outraged by his alleged actions.

"I'm innocent, completely innocent," Hatch said Friday as he was led out of Louisiana State Police Headquarters in handcuffs.

Investigators said Hatch was involved in the shooting death of Terry Boyd in Oct. 2009. Hatch's friend, Arthur "Silky Slim" Reed, said the streets have been talking since his arrest.

"It's been out there for a minute and even on some of the stuff that he's recorded, he says he's being investigated," Reed said.

Through his music, Hatch reached a lot of people. On Facebook, Twitter and other sites, his name appears to be everywhere. "Free Boosie" is posted on several sites.

"I think the most important part for us to realize is there are hundreds of thousands of little kids that listen to him and this is their hero," Reed said. "When you come from basically nothing, these communities are basically nothing but survival camps. When someone makes it out, you look up to them."

However, according to some of the messages posted on social media sties, some people might argue Hatch is someone no one should look up to. Facebook user "E.R." wrote the following message.

"Boosie dumb as hell how u famous and still doin the same stuff u use to do, u suppose to exclude urself from that type of lifestyle and try and better others when u make it."

In Nov. 2009, Hatch granted a tour of his home the night before he went to prison on drug charges and a probation violation. As the father of eight spent time with his kids, he said one of the hardest aspects of being behind bars is being away from his children. Now charged with first-degree murder, for Hatch, the death penalty could be a possibility.

"I don't have a huge amount to say about Boosie. Boosie has to stand up and be a man for his actions. My whole thing is that kids should see this as a turning point in their lives," Reed added.

Hatch was also recently indicted on drug charges. He faces three counts of possession with the intent to distribute codeine, ecstasy and marijuana.